Aug 13 , 2015
News
All shades of political opinion to focus on I-Day festivities
‘Do not be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. There is many an example in history of young nations building themselves up by sheer determination and force of character. You are made of sterling material and are second to none’- Quaid-e-Azam
APPISLAMABAD – The much-hyped aberration of ‘sit-in politics’ having fizzled out, the nation will remain fully focused on celebrating the Independence Day on Friday.
Now free from the divisive politics of sit-in - which had surfaced on August 14 last year - it will be back to full-throttle celebrations and display of national flags for people around the country. A more tranquil atmosphere will prevail as common folks, in keeping with traditions of pre-sit-in years, will throng the streets for Independence Day celebrations and gather around public and private buildings to watch the spectacle of illuminations.
Pakistan - since the end of sit-in in the federal capital - has changed a lot. More political and economic stability, improved law and order situation due to successful operation Zarb-e-Azb and elimination of an atmosphere of uncertainty are the reasons more enthusiasm is being witnessed among masses to celebrate the Independence Day.
Stalls of national flags, badges and stickers can be witnessed at all the small and major markets of the country where the rush and interest of people is on peak, which shows the level of patriotism among the citizens.
Still, the nation must ponder that it needs to rise above mere celebrations so as to build Pakistan in accordance with the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who outlined the ideals of a peaceful and egalitarian society where the rights of all segments of society will be protected. The Quaid's motto of ‘Unity, Faith and Discipline’ needs to be converted into a concrete reality, rather than just a lip service.
Kasur-like incidents, terrorism, commonplace indiscipline and division among different sects, castes and communities underline the fact that the nation still has a long way to go to achieve the ideals of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
"Remember that the scrupulous maintenance and enforcement of law and order are the prerequisites of all progress. The tenets of Islam enjoin on every Muslim to give protection to his neighbors and to the minorities regardless of caste and creed," Quaid-e-Azam said while addressing a rally at the University Stadium, Lahore on October 30, 1947.
"Do not be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. There is many an example in history of young nations building themselves up by sheer determination and force of character. You are made of sterling material and are second to none."
While addressing the officers and men of two Regiments in Malir on February 21, 1948, the founder of Pakistan said, "Now you have to stand guard over the development and maintenance of Islamic democracy, Islamic social justice and the equality of manhood in your own native soil. You will have to be alert, very alert, for the time for relaxation is not yet there. With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve".
"There is nothing that we desire more than to live in peace and let others live in peace and develop our country according to our own lights without outside interference and improve the lot of the common man. This in no doubt is going to be an uphill task, but if we are determined to work earnestly and sincerely, and are willing and ready to make sacrifices for the collective good of our nation, we shall soon achieve the aims and the end we have in view.
Columnist and political analyst Irshad Arif said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had stated on a number of occasions that he wanted to make Pakistan a true Islamic welfare state where the standard of human rights should be such that there was no discrimination on the basis of religion. He said that Quaid-e-Azam had never used the word `secular' for Pakistan, adding that he wanted a disciplined country free of corruption.
Objectively analysing, the signs of political and economic revival are emerging such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the successful launch of operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk